'We'll Give Pickaxe A Shot': Trump Threatens Strike On Iran's Underground Nuclear Site, Tehran Hits Back
'We'll Give Pickaxe A Shot': Trump Threatens Strike On Iran's Underground Nuclear Site, Tehran Hits Back Curated By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 21:40 IST
'We'll Give Pickaxe A Shot': Trump Threatens Strike On Iran's Underground Nuclear Site, Tehran Hits Back Curated By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 21:40 IST Pickaxe Mountain, also known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz, is an underground tunnel complex located south of Natanz in Iran's Zagros Mountains. US President Donald Trump. (FIle photo) US President Donald Trump has now has his eyes on Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain. He hinted that it could be his next target amid the ongoing war with Tehran. Trump said, “We’ll probably give Pickaxe a shot relatively soon." His remarks have thrown spotlight on the underground tunnel complex near Natanz, a site that Iran declared to the United Nations in 2020 as a future facility for building centrifuges used in uranium enrichment. Tehran responded sharply to Trump’s comments, with a senior Iranian security source telling CNN that Iran would deliver a “devastating response" if the United States carried out an attack on the site. What is Pickaxe Mountain? Pickaxe Mountain, also known as Kuh-e Kolang Gaz, is an underground tunnel complex located south of Natanz in Iran’s Zagros Mountains. Iran informed the United Nations in 2020 that the site was intended to become a future facility for manufacturing centrifuges, the machines used to enrich uranium for nuclear fuel.
According to reports, the complex is a deeply buried and heavily fortified facility. Satellite-based reporting has indicated that construction has continued at the site, while inspectors have not been allowed access, adding to questions over its intended purpose. The site has been described as potentially linked to centrifuge work or other uranium-related activity, making it a focus of attention during the current escalation. Iran warns of retaliation Following Trump’s remarks, Tehran issued a warning against any potential strike. A senior Iranian security source told CNN that Iran would respond with a “devastating response" if the United States attacked Pickaxe Mountain. The exchange marks another escalation in rhetoric as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue. Why the site matters? Trump’s remarks suggest that the United States is considering increasing pressure on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure rather than limiting its focus to military or shipping-related targets. Reports have described Pickaxe Mountain as a possible future strike target because experts believe its underground location could make it difficult to destroy, even with bunker-buster weapons. The comments have placed renewed attention on one of Iran’s most heavily protected nuclear-related facilities. Facility still under construction Despite its strategic importance, the Institute for Science and International Security, which monitors the site, says Pickaxe Mountain is still under construction.
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